2015 Millie Fox Stakes Field – Catkins Out Wide

Final field acceptances were taken for the Group 2 Millie Fox Stakes (1300m) on Wednesday morning. Just eight fillies and mares will contest the $175,000 race after Chris Waller’s Arinosa and John Sargent’s Kirramosa failed to accept.

Catkins heads the Millie Fox Stakes field running at Rosehill on Saturday. Photo by Steve Hart.

One of three Group races running at Rosehill this Saturday, the 2015 Millie Fox Stakes is headlined by Chris Waller’s remaining runner Catkins.

The five-year-old grey mare is in-form after winning the Group 2 Breeders Classic (1200m) two weeks ago, defending her title by just putting her nose on the line ahead of Lilliburlero.

Catkins will carry the sole top weight of 57kg and jump from the second-widest gate, however the mare has proven in the past that wide starts are no issue for her. She won the Breeders Classic from barrier eight (of nine) and finished third in last year’s Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) from barrier 13 (of 16).

David Payne’s Lilliburlero will get her chance at revenge against Catkins as the five-year-old mare also features in the field for the Millie Fox Stakes.

Lilliburlero hasn’t won a race since the Group 3 Triscay Stakes (1200m) this time last year but has placed in three of her eight subsequent starts. Like Catkins, the mare resumed in the Breeders Classic on February 7 but was only just nosed out on the line after hitting the front 250m out.

Gai Waterhouse’s Mardi will enjoy the inside jump from barrier one with Jim Cassidy to ride while carrying the minimum weight of 54kg.

The four-year-old mare has finished in the first two in all six of her career starts and is at her peak fitness level with four starts this campaign. However the Millie Fox Stakes will be her debut at black-type level racing.

Joseph Pride’s Chintz will make a quick return to the track, backing up from the Triscay Stakes just seven days prior. The mare failed to make an impression in the race, finishing six and a half lengths off winner Thump in last place. Chintz will need to overcome a start from the outside gate with Christian Reith replacing Sam Clipperton.

Avoid Lightning is set to resume in the Millie Fox Stakes after winning her lone spring start, the Group 3 Nivision (1200m). Les Bridge’s mare is in great form, placing in all six of her past starts, which includes a third place run in the Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) at Brisbane last winter.

The six-year-old will enjoy a start from barrier two with Tim Clark as jockey.